Sink insert with cleaning surface

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for a sink insert are described. The sink insert is comprised of an outer wall, a bottom portion and a cleaning surface. The outer wall is positioned to engage a sink at its drain. The bottom portion is fixed to the outer wall and extends radially inwardly from the outer wall toward a centerline of the drain, wherein the bottom portion defines an aperture through which fluids and, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain. A cleaning surface is affixed to a top surface of the bottom portion such that the cleaning surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No.61/925,147, filed on 8 Jan. 2014, titled “SINK INSERT WITH CLEANINGSURFACE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to an insert for a sink that includes acleaning surface, for example, a splash guard with a cleaning surface ora drain insert with a cleaning surface.

BACKGROUND

Inserts are placed in sinks to either prevent back splashes from thetrap or a garbage disposal or to prevent large particles from going downthe drain. These inserts have smooth surfaces to allow the ready flow ofliquid thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,890 describes a sink drain insert for use with asink equipped with a powered garbage disposal unit. This insert consistsof a cylindrical base having debris dislodging means which may be one ofbrushes, a scraper or some combination thereof, wherein food debris thatare adhered to utensils may be scrubbed or scraped to dislodged thedebris, allowing the debris to fall into the garbage disposal. The outerwall of the sink drain insert further comprises a circular sealingmember for affixing and restraining the insert into the sink drain atthe user's discretion.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0126091 describes a utensil scrubberapparatus for use with a sink drain comprises an insert sized to tightlyfit within a sink drain and having first and second portions. The firstportion provides a circular peripheral flange and a medial opening forallowing both liquids and solids to pass down through the insert andinto the sink drain. The second portion is axially concentric with thefirst portion and extends downwardly, providing a tapered circular outersurface for tightly fitting within the sink drain. A plurality ofresilient bristles upwardly extend from the top surface of the firstportion in a position adjacent to the opening. The bristles are sizedand arranged in such a way as to allow for a relatively easy means ofdislodging food from a utensil. In the preferred embodiment, the insertcontains a scenting agent for masking potentially unpleasant odorsemanating from the sink drain.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362 describes a combined sink strainer and scrubbrush unit with or without a sink stopper disc which seats into agarbage disposal inlet depending from a sink bottom. A horizontalstrainer base has a series of drain apertures therein and a series ofspaced brush elements either molded with the base or attached to thebase and depending from the base. A handle is attached to the base formanual removal of the unit from the disposal inlet and forhand-manipulating the unit to scrape/scrub foodstuff and other debrisfrom dish plates, cooking pots, and sink surfaces into the sink anddisposal inlet. A rubber stopper disc is mounted on top of base forrotational and sliding movement thereon. Radial drain holes in the discare alignable with the base drain apertures in a drain “open” positionand are offset therefrom in a drain “closed” sealing position.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In an example, an insert can include a body, which extends into a sinkdrain, and a cleaning part on the body. The cleaning part can be engagedby a user through the sink at a top surface of the body.

In an example, a sink insert includes an outer flange to engage a sinkat its drain; an inwardly extending part fixed to the outer member andextending inwardly from the outer member toward a centerline of thedrain, the inwardly extending part defining an aperture through whichfluids and, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain;and a scrubber surface affixed to the inwardly extending part such thatthe scrubber surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.

In an example, the scrubber surface includes a plurality of scrubbersurfaces positioned on inwardly extending part. In an example, theinwardly extending part is a flexible, resilient polymer. In an example,the inwardly extending part includes a first level and a second level,with the first level being above the second level, and wherein thescrubber surface is on the first level. In an example, the scrubbersurface is on the second level. In an example, the second level isconnected to the first level by a wall extending downwardly, and whereinthe wall is resilient and flexible.

In an example, the inwardly extending part includes a concave base, andwherein a group of the plurality of scrubber surfaces are discrete andpositioned around the concave base. In an example, the group of scrubbersurfaces are spaced substantially uniformly on the base. In an example,the scrubber surfaces includes a second group of scrubber surfaces thatare of a different dimension relative to the first-mentioned group ofscrubber surfaces.

In an example, the outer member of the sink insert includes a verticalwall to engage an inner diameter of a sink drain. In an example, thevertical wall includes a lower portion that extends the height of theinwardly extending part and includes a recess in an outer surfacethereof. In an example, the vertical wall comprises an upper portionthat extends above the inwardly extending part and is cyclindrical.

In conjunction with any other example, the scrubber surface includes anabrasive layer. The scrubber surface can be a woven pad. The scrubbersurface can include a non-woven pad. The scrubber surface can be anon-woven pad.

In conjunction with any example herein, the sink insert can be part of asink assembly. A sink assembly can include a basin with a drain hole; asink insert (as described herein) secured in the drain hole or basin;and a drain pipe. In some examples, a disposal is fixed to the sinkafter the sink insert. A disposal is a device fitted to the waste pipeof a sink for grinding up solids being disposed of from the sink.Typically, a disposal is mounted to a kitchen sink to grind up food fromthe sink or dish washer. In an example, the scrubber surface includes anon-woven pad that completely covers the inwardly extending part. In anexample, the scrubber surface is a layer with a uniform thicknessextending above the inwardly extending part.

In further examples, the body of the insert is a flexible polymer,rubber or other yieldable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the insert according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an insert according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sink assembly with an insert according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross sectional view of the insert according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the insert according to an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the insert according to an exampleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems for sink inserts are described. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofexample embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in theart after review of this disclosure that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details.

In some example embodiments, sink inserts include cleaning surfaces,e.g., scrubbing surfaces, abrasive surfaces, roughened surfaces, thatcan aid in the removal, debris, grime, foodstuffs and the like from thesurfaces of utensils and cookware.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate sink insert 100 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 1 shows a top, plan view of the sink insert 100,FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert 100 takengenerally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 illustrates a side viewof sink insert 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, sink insert 100 includes outerwall 101, cleaning surfaces 110 and bottom portion 112. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, wall 101 is annular, such that an outersurface of outer wall 101 is adapted to engage an inner diameter of adrain hole or aperture of a sink. In one example, outer wall 101 is madeof a resilient, water proof material, e.g., rubber, plastic or otherpolymer. In addition, outer wall 101 may be deformable to allow sinkinsert 100 to be placed into the sink drain hole with some force. Theresilient properties of the outer wall 101 will force itself against thedrain hole and secure itself in the sink drain hole. In otherembodiments, the shape of outer wall 101 may be modified to accommodatevarious drain hole aperture shapes and sizes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, outer wall 101 is comprised of upperwall portion 103 and lower wall portion 105. The upper wall portion 103is annular, thereby defining an open interior 106 (e.g., hollowcylinder) through which water, solids and utensils may move. The waterand solids can flow out of the sink and into subsequent plumbing. Thelower wall portion 105 is located adjacent the upper wall portion, andmay be formed integrally with upper wall portion 103. Lower wall portionis similarly annular, but instead of being hollow supports bottomportion 112, which extends radially inward from lower wall portion 105.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, to support splashguard 112, lowerwall portion 105 is thicker than upper wall portion 103. However, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, both upper wall portion 103 and lower wallportion 105 have the same or similar circumferences, such that bothportions may engage the inner diameter of the sink drain or otherstructure in the sink drain to secure the sink insert 100 within thedrain.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a recess 107 is positioned in thelower wall 105 and extends around the outer circumference of the lowerwall 105. The recess 107 assists in securing the insert 100 in a sinkdrain. The recess 107 defines a gradually, inwardly sloping top surfaceand a more abrupt, bottom outwardly extending surface. Inwardly andoutwardly are determined when looking at FIG. 2 from top to bottom. Thebottom surface of lower wall 105 defines a foot portion 108 thatsecurely grips an inner part of a sink drain or sink assembly. In oneembodiment, foot portion 108 extends radially outward beyond the upperwall 103. Due to the dimensions of foot portion 108 and the resiliencyof the wall material, the foot portion 108 provides the most radiallyoutward force at the installation point. In the embodiment shown in FIG.2, foot portion 108 is annular, extending circumferentially around thesink insert 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a bottom of sink insert 100 isdefined by a portion that extends radially inward from lower wallportion 105 toward a center-point of sink insert 100. The bottom portion112 may sometimes be referred to as “splash guard”, because it acts toprevent material that has exited the sink from returning to the sink.Bottom portion 112 can be integrally formed with the wall 101 (and inparticular, with lower wall portion 105) in an example. Accordingly, thebottom portion 112 can be reliantly deformable with the remainder ofsink insert 100. In the illustrated example, the outer circumferentialedge of bottom portion 112 is fixed to the top of bottom wall portion105, and extends inwardly from the bottom wall 105 and defines a medialaperture 115. Medial aperture 115 is the hole through which liquids andsolids, if present, can travel from the sink's interior to thesubsequent plumbing. In an example, the aperture 115 is co-axial withthe drain of the sink and immediately subsequent plumbing. In oneexample, the aperture 115 has a dimension, e.g., diameter, that is 1/3or less than a dimension, e.g., diameter, of the outer wall 101 or thedimension or the sink drain hole. In the illustrated example, the bottomportion 112 has a concave shape when viewed from the sink. However, inother embodiments it may be desirable that the bottom portion have aconvex shape in which case bottom portion 112 would extend upward intothe open interior 106 defined by upper wall portion 103. Bottom portion112 includes a top, outer periphery at the top of the bottom wallportion 105 and an inner, free, lower edge (which defines the aperture115) that is essentially at the bottom of bottom wall 105. In oneexample, the bottom portion 112 has an inner edge that is below thebottom of bottom wall 105.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, cleaning surface 110 is positionedon the top surface of bottom portion 112. Cleaning surface 110 caninclude a non-uniform scrubbing surface. Various nodules can beupstanding from other areas of the surface. In an example, the cleaninglayer includes non-woven fibers that are hydrophobic. In one example,the cleaning layer includes woven fibers that are hydrophobic. Inanother example, a plurality of grains is embedded in the surface.Cleaning surface 110 can include a plurality of discrete areas locatedon a top surface of bottom portion 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1, a first group of cleaning surfaces 110A are provided adjacent theaperture 115, and a second group of cleaning surfaces 110B arepositioned outwardly of the first group of cleaning areas 110A. Thegroups of cleaning areas can have different dimensions, as shown in FIG.1, and may be comprised of different materials. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 1, first group of cleaning areas 110A have a larger diameterthan the second group of cleaning areas 110B. However, the smallercleaning areas 110B are more numerous than the larger cleaning areas110A. In other embodiments, cleaning surfaces 110 are positioned on onlyone part of bottom portion 112, e.g., 1/3 of the top surface of thebottom portion 112 or ½ of the top surface of the bottom portion 112.While cleaning surfaces 110 are shown as cylindrical, it will berecognized that other shapes or volumes may be used for the cleaninglayer. It will also be noted that the cleaning locations of theplurality of cleaning surfaces 110 extend upwardly toward or into theinterior 116 of the insert 100. The cleaning layer 110 does not extendinto the aperture 115 defined by the inner diameter of the body 112.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a sink insert 100′ that includes outerwall 101, bottom portion 112′ extending radially inward from outer wall101, and a plurality of cleaning surfaces 110′ located on a top surfaceof bottom portion 112′ according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, bottom portion 112′ include a first,upper level 142, and a second, lower level 143 joined together byvertical walls 144. The upper and lower levels alternate around thebottom portion 112′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each upper andlower level 142, 143 is triangular or frustum shaped. This structureallows bottom portion 112′ to provide a smaller aperture 115 whileallowing larger materials to flow through the bottom portion when thebottom portion is deformed by pressing downward on the bottom portion112′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, cleaning surfaces 110′ arepositioned on one or more (here, shown as the two top parts) of theupper level portions 142 of bottom portion 112′. It is within the scopeof the present invention to position the cleaning surfaces 110′ on eachof the upper level portions 142. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, thecleaning surfaces 110′ cover the entire surface of select upper levelportions 142, but in other embodiments may cover only a portion of thesurface of upper level portions 142. In one example, cleaning surfaces110′ include a plurality of discrete cleaning pads positioned on theupper level portions 142, e.g., one or more than one to each level 142.In another embodiment, cleaning surfaces 110′ are also positioned on thelower level portions 143 in addition to placement on upper levelportions 142.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of sink insert 100″ having a firstplurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the top surface of bottomportion 112″. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of sink insert 100″ havingadditional cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the top surface of bottomportion 112″. Once again, sink insert 100″ is comprised of an outer wall101″, a bottom portion 112″ extending radially inward from outer wall101″, and a plurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the topsurface or surfaces of bottom portion 112″. In contrast with theembodiment described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the bottom portion 112″includes a plurality of boundaries or cuts 150 extending radiallyoutward from aperture 115, such that bottom portion 112″ is divided intoa plurality of components 113″ separated from adjacent components byboundaries 150. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 removes several of theplurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to bottom portion 112″ inorder to better illustrate the plurality of components 113″ making upthe bottom portion. FIG. 6 illustrates sink insert 100″ when allcleaning surfaces 110″ have been affixed to a top surface of theplurality of components 113″.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, boundaries 150 extend fromaperture 115 to a point 152 radially inward of outer wall 101″. Thelocation of point 152 may be located at any radius between aperture 115and outer wall 101″, and in one embodiment may be located to allowboundaries 150 to extend all the way to outer wall 101″. The addition ofboundaries 150 between components 113″ of bottom portion 112″ allows thecomponents to move or “flex” relative to one another. In addition, inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each component 113″ includes a drainhole 154 that provides an additional path for water and or particles toflow to sink drain.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cleaning surfaces 110″ have ahollow cylindrical shape such that it extends from outer wall 101″ tothe aperture 115 and completely covers the top surfaces of the pluralityof components 113″ making up bottom portion 112″. However, in otherembodiments the cleaning surfaces 110″ may include a plurality ofdiscrete parts that have an outline that matches the geometry of eachindividual component 113″ from outer wall 101 to aperture 115. Forexample, in one embodiment the cleaning surface 110″ includes slits thatmatch the length of the boundaries located between individual components113″ making up bottom portion 112″.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sink insert 700 that includeslocating cleaning surfaces on the top surface of bottom portion 702 aswell as on inner surface 712 of outer wall 714. The insert may onceagain be a sink-drain insert.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, sink insert 700 includes an annularouter wall 710, which is adapted to fit into a sink drain outlet (notshown in FIG. 7). Outer wall 710 has an inner surface 712, an edge 714and an outer surface 716. The bottom portion 718 extends radially inwardfrom the inner surface 712 of outer flange 710, and defines a drainaperture 713, by which solid debris and liquid may pass there through.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, outer wall 710 further includescleaning surfaces 711 located on the inner surface 712 of outer wall710. Although cleaning surfaces 711 may utilize the same material/shape,etc. associated with cleaning surfaces located on the top surface ofbottom portion 718, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 cleaning surfaces711 utilize different material/shape combinations to provide a differentfunction from that of cleaning surfaces located on bottom portion 718.For example, cleaning surfaces 711 may include brushes, scrapers, etc.,or a combination thereof to assist in dislodging/removing food, debris,dirt, grime, and the like from utensils or cookware. The plurality ofcleaning surfaces structures 711 are fixedly attached to a first portionof inner surface 712, and extend perpendicularly away from inner surface712. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, cleaning surfaces 711 aresufficiently stiff so as to brush and scrub food debris from utensils.Cleaning surfaces 711 may comprise a series of brush tufts of one-piececonstruction having a first connecting end fixed to the inner surface712 and a distal end having a series of resilient fingers for scrubbingutensils or other cookware. The brush elements can be metal strands,e.g., copper, or polymer strands. The art of attaching brush elements toa base is already known in the art and is discussed generally inJackson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362, which is incorporated herein for anypurpose. However, if the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362 conflictswith the present, explicit disclosure the present disclosure controlsinterpretation.

A scraper may also be incorporated into sink insert 700 by extending asloping/scraper surface from edge 714. The scraping edge may be formedannularly along the entire length of edge 714, wherein a utensil can bescraped along the portion to dislodge debris. The scraping edge isadapted to be sufficiently rigid to dislodge debris adhered on utensilswhile being sufficiently resilient to resist breaking during thescraping action. In another embodiment, the scraping edge extends alongonly half of the circumferential length of edge 714. The scraping edgemay be utilized independently or in conjunction with cleaning surfaces711 shown in FIG. 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, sink insert 700 is restrained withina sink drain outlet by an annular sealing member 715 that is affixed andrestrained to outer wall 716. Annular sealing member 715 may beconstructed from any durable elastomer or rubber. A common example wouldbe O-rings or resilient washers. Annular sealing member 715 restrainssink insert 700 within the drain outlet, but is sufficiently resilientto allow the user to install and remove insert 700 at will.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating placement of sink insert100 within a sink assembly 800 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Sink assembly 800 includes a sink wall 801 that defines abasin 802 to hold, capture or drain liquids. At the bottom of the basin802 is a sink drain 803. A sink insert 100, 100′, 100″ or 700 can bepositioned in or at the sink drain 803. The sink insert can include abottom portion 812, which acts to support and provide the radial forcenecessary to hold sink insert in place, and on which a cleaning surface810 (or additional cleaning surfaces) may be located. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8, cleaning surface 810 extends toward the aperture 815and faces upwardly toward the sink basin 802. In an example, thecleaning surface 810 is free from upstanding bristles or filaments.Additional plumbing 805 is downstream of the sink drain 803 and the sinkinsert. A disposal 807 may be positioned downstream of the sink drain803 and the sink insert. Plumbing 805 can extend subsequent (downstream)from the disposal 807.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial, cross sectional view of sink insert 900according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same referencenumbers may be used as described elsewhere to designate similar elementsand structures. A bottom portion 912 extends radially inwardly towardthe centerline of the drain. A first, upstream cleaning surface 910 a islocated on a top surface of bottom portion 112. Cleaning surface 910 awould be visible to a user when looking into the sink. A second,downstream cleaning surface 910 b is located on a bottom surface ofbottom portion 912, and as a result would not be visible by a user whenlooking down into the sink as cleaning surface 910 b faces the drain ordisposal, if present. In one example, the cleaning surface 910 b may bevisible from above by the user if the bottom portion 112 can flex orbend enough, for example, 90 degrees or more. In one embodiment, abenefit of cleaning surface 910 b is that sink insert 900 may be removedfrom the drain and utilized by a user to manually scrub utensils and/orother items.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate sink insert 1000 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 10 shows a top, plan view of the sink insert1000, FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert 1000taken generally along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 illustrates aperspective view of sink insert 1000 according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

As compared with embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 is similar in many respects. The sinkinsert 1000 includes outer wall 1001, bottom portion 1012, and cleaningsurfaces 1010. As illustrated in FIG. 11, outer wall 1001 includes upperwall portion 1003 and lower wall portion 1005, which further includesrecess portion 1007 and foot portion 1008.

In contrast, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 cleaning surfaces 1010comprised of long bristles/cylinders extending away from bottom portion1012. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the distal end of cleaningsurface 1010 extend nearly to the top of upper wall portion 1003. Inother embodiments, the distal end of cleaning surface 1010 may extendbeyond the upper wall portion 1003.

In addition, as illustrated in the perspective view of sink insert 1000shown in FIG. 12, bottom portion 1012 includes a plurality of components1013 each separated by boundaries or gaps 1016 extending radiallyoutward from aperture 1015. In the view shown in FIG. 12, the length ofeach of the plurality of cleaning surfaces 1010 can be appreciated

While described herein as a sink insert that may clean utensils, it willbe understood that other structures that can be moved into contact withthe scrubber sink insert as described herein are within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Examples of other structures include cooking device,cooking utensils, forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, brushes, rods,rollers, and the like.

It will be understood that the use of prime designations (e.g., ′ or ″)on reference numbers indicates that the element so designated issubstantially similar to those described elsewhere with the samereference number but have some difference in the embodiment beingpresently described.

It will also be understood to be in the scope of the present disclosureto place a scrubbing surface on the bottom of the sink insert. Forexample, the downstream side of the flexible body extending into thedrain aperture may have a scrubbing surface thereon. This secondscrubbing surface faces the drain and the disposal, if present.

The sink insert can also include a biasing member, a coil spring orc-ring, or combinations thereof, to provide a force sufficient to holdthe sink insert in place within the drain hole of a sink while in use.In an example, the biasing member is positioned in the wall 101 to forcethe wall into contact with the drain hole. The biasing member mayprovide a force of a few pounds or more, five pounds or more, or tenpounds or more to secure the sink insert 100 in the sink. In an example,the biasing member may be co-formed in the wall 101 of the sink insert100. In another example, the biasing member can be adhered to the wall101. In another example, the biasing member can be threaded into thewall after forming the wall. In other examples, an adhesive, preferably,water insoluble, can fix the wall 101 to the sink drain hole. Suchstructures to hold the sink insert in the drain hole while a usercontacts the insert with a utensil or other helps keep the insert inplace in the drain.

The sink insert can also include a removal means such as a string,chain, handle, tab, or the like for the purpose of removing the sinkinsert from a sink drain hole.

The present disclosure uses the phrase “scrubber surface” that, in someembodiments, represents a surface structure with more surface featuresthan other areas or parts of the sink insert. The scrubber surface maybe designed to engage and dislodge particles from utensils or otherstructures at the sink insert while allowing fluid flow therethrough,there around or thereover.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sink insert comprising: an outer wall to engagea sink at its drain; a bottom portion fixed to the outer wall andextending radially inwardly from the outer wall toward a centerline ofthe drain, the bottom portion defining an aperture through which fluidsand, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain; and acleaning surface affixed to a top surface of the bottom portion suchthat the cleaning surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.
 2. Thesink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes aplurality of cleaning surfaces positioned on a top surface of the bottomportion.
 3. The sink insert of claim 2, wherein the bottom portion is aflexible, resilient polymer.
 4. The sink insert of claim 3, wherein thebottom portion includes a first level and a second level, with the firstlevel being above the second level, and wherein the cleaning surface isaffixed to a top surface of the first level.
 5. The sink insert of claim4, wherein the cleaning surface is affixed to a top surface of thesecond level.
 6. The sink insert of claim 5, wherein the second level isconnected to the first level by a wall extending therebetween, andwherein the wall is resilient and flexible.
 7. The sink insert of claim3, wherein the bottom portion includes a concave base, and wherein afirst group of cleaning surfaces is discrete and positioned around theconcave base.
 8. The sink insert of claim 7, wherein the first group ofcleaning surfaces are spaced substantially uniformly around the topsurface of the bottom portion.
 9. The sink insert of claim 8, whereinthe cleaning surfaces include a second group of cleaning surfaces thatare of a different dimension relative to the first group of cleaningsurfaces.
 10. The sink insert of claim 7, where the outer wall includesa lower portion that extends the height of the bottom portion andincludes a recess in an outer surface thereof.
 11. The sink insert ofclaim 10, where the outer wall includes an upper portion that extendsabove the bottom portion and is cyclindrical.
 12. The sink insert ofclaim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes an abrasive layer. 13.The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes awoven pad.
 14. The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surfaceincludes a non-woven pad.
 15. A sink assembly comprising: a basin with adrain hole; a sink insert secured in the drain hole; a drain pipeconnected to the drain hole; and wherein the sink insert includes: anouter wall to engage the basin at the drain hole; a bottom portion fixedto the outer wall and extending inwardly from the outer wall toward acenterline of the drain hole, the bottom portion defining an aperturethrough which fluids and, if present, solids flow from the basin to thedrain pipe; and a cleaning surface affixed to the bottom portion suchthat the scrubber surface faces upwardly toward the basin.
 16. The sinkassembly of claim 15, wherein the cleaning surface includes a non-wovenpad that completely covers the bottom portion.
 17. The sink assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the cleaning surface is a layer with a uniformthickness extending above the bottom portion.
 18. The sink assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the bottom portion is divided into a plurality ofportions separated from adjacent portions by boundaries that extendradially outward from the aperture defined in the bottom portion. 19.The sink assembly of claim 18, wherein apertures are formed in one ormore of the plurality of portions making up the bottom portion.
 20. Thesink assembly of claim 18, wherein separate cleaning surfaces areaffixed to each of the plurality of portions making up the bottomportion.